Graphics: VCG

Three parties involved in a squabbling following a collision test video featuring a Li Auto's i8 electric SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a light truck produced by Dongfeng Liuzhou Chenglong brand vowed on Wednesday to jointly shape a positive competitive environment. 

A collision test video shown during the Li i8 launch event on July 29 has led to safety concerns about vehicles manufactured by Chinese truck maker Chenglong Truck, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile.

To demonstrate the Li i8's safety, the SUV's A-pillar remained intact after the collision, while the truck's wheels were lifted off the ground and the driver's cabin flipped forward, the video showed.

Chenglong fired back, arguing that the test environment is vastly different from real-world traffic conditions and urging consumers to view the video from a scientific viewpoint.

In a joint statement, the three parties - the two auto makers and the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute that conducted the test — pledged to jointly shape a positive competitive environment and called on the automotive industry to uphold strict self-discipline in product research and development, testing and validation, and promotional activities adhering to principles of integrity and business ethics.

"We must eliminate any form of unfair competition, such as disparaging comparisons. Testing and certification agencies should uphold professional standards, ensuring that testing processes are scientific and rigorous, and that information released is truthful, accurate, and complete, in order to jointly maintain a clean and fair market order," the statement said.

The three parties are willing to work together with all industry colleagues to take proactive actions and collaboratively build an automotive industry ecosystem based on safety, technology, and integrity, promoting the high-quality and sustainable development of China's automotive industry, according to the statement.

Global Times